So it’s getting to that time again, Aussie Kiss!
The biggest student windsurfing festival is just around the corner, we’ve been waiting all year for it, and with over 300 tickets sold it’s going to be a big one!
This is the best opportunity for anyone starting out windsurfing to get a taste of the windy life, and for experienced wind-lovers to trade stories and show off their skills. For all those starting out, you’re probably wondering what is AK and what to bring, luckily we’ve written a big guide here that will hopefully answer all your questions!
What is AK?
Windsurfing, camping, music, partying, beginner tuition, intermediate and advanced clinics, free sailing, racing and freestyle competitions, more partying, fancy dress, free hugs... check out last year's guide to AK.
How do I stay updated with info at the event?
We’ve set up a Telegram channel for important announcements and reminders throughout the weekend, so get the app and subscribe to our channel here: t.me/swa_ak2018
What’s going on over the weekend?
Friday
18:00 – 23:00 Arrival and registration
21:00 – 01:00 Party!
Saturday
07:45 The infamous wake-up call
08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast available
10:00 Lakeside briefing
10:30 – 16:00 Windsurfing! (See below for more info)
18:00 – 21:00 Dinner and costume preparation
21:00 – 01:00 Party with fancy dress!
Sunday
08:00 The infamous wake-up call
08:30 – 10:00 Breakfast available
10:00 Lakeside briefing
10:30 Team racing sign up
11:00 – 15:00 Windsurfing!
15:30 Prize-giving
16:00 Pack up and head home
What should I take?
So, to maximise the fun when you’re out on the water, spooning your club mates in the tent or boogying away in the party tent, here is an advisory list of the minimum things you should bring - please add anything else you think is necessary:
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Clothing
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Wet Gear
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Camping
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Other
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Where is it?
AK is being held at the Llandegfedd Watersports Center this year - we wrote an article about the new location a few weeks ago, you can read it here.
How am I getting there?
Contact the committee of your uni club - they’ll have sorted something out for you!
How far away is the camping from the beach?
Not far at all! It’ll only take you 5 minutes to walk down from the campsite to the beachfront and get out windsurfing!
Here’s a map:
Will it be windy?
Yes, hopefully! Check out the up to date forecast here. However, the camping field is surrounded by nice sturdy trees, so don’t worry too much about tents blowing away this year!
Will I get better at windsurfing?
Yes! Alongside loads of opportunities to get out on the water, we’re running a ton of tuition for all abilities, from taking your first steps onto a board to flying on a foil!
As you can see, beginners are split up into three waves of 40 for their lessons, with inter/advanced clinics running throughout the weekend. Our team of 25 amazing instructors will be on hand to both teach and keep everyone safe!
What about when I’m not windsurfing?
There’ll be music and a lovely atmosphere on the beach, you can bring a picnic blanket to sit on and watch the others out on the water.
Will there be food?
There are meals available to purchase but we recommend you bring plenty of snacks to last the weekend.
Where can I get water?
There are drinking taps by the watersports centre for during the day, and taps at various places near the campsite. We suggest you bring a water bottle!
Do I have to drink alcohol?
Of course not! Whilst many of us enjoy the delights of alcohol we respect other people’s choices, so don’t feel pressured to drink if that’s not your scene! It’s still definitely possible to have an awesome time without drinking, and we’d recommend that people who are drinking are careful and stay within their limits - the only thing worse than making a fool out of yourself is missing out on a sweet day of windsurfing due to a debilitating hangover!
What windsurf kit can I use?
AK works by each club bringing their own kit, especially beginner kit - sharing between clubs will provide plenty to choose from. Also our amazing sponsors Boardwise will be there with a ton of demo kit for you to try out!
What about after AK?
Don’t worry, this isn’t your only chance to get a fix of that fine SWA life - there are 7 more events coming this season, check out the events page on our website for more info and save the dates!
We hope that answers all of your questions!
If you have any more, feel free to message our Facebook Page at m.me/studentwindsurf
See you at Aussie Kiss! :)
